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<\/p>\nBethlehem, Jesus\u2019 birthplace, has officially cancelled Christmas for the first time in decades due to the Israel-Hamas war.<\/p>\n
The Palestinian city in the West Bank has announced its usual Christmas decorations will be taken down this year.<\/p>\n
Bethlehem will also put a stop to its usual celebrations \u201cin honor of the martyrs and in solidarity with our people in Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n
This means there will be no Christmas tree put up in Manger Square – the spot where Jesus is said to be born.<\/p>\n
This marks the first time Bethlehem has cancelled Christmas celebrations since the tradition began – the square was still decorated even during the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
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A Bethlehem municipality spokesperson confirmed the normal Christmas plans have been discarded ahead of December 25.<\/p>\n
The spokesperson said: \u201cThe reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are sad, angry, and upset. Our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, it is not appropriate at all to have such festivities while there is a massacre happening in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank.<\/p>\n
\u201cBethlehem should send its own message of condolence and mourning.\u201d<\/p>\n
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